Users wrote

Deadside is a survival shooter with strong gunplay and a tense atmosphere. Reviewers mention it plays well with friends and shows potential through ongoing updates. However, many reviews note bugs, AI issues, and lack of dedicated servers. Several comparisons to DayZ, Rust, and Tarkov highlight both similarities and concerns.

Last updated: 2026-03-06

Most Mentioned Advantages

• Gunplay and weapon feel is excellent (7 mentions) - Reviewers repeatedly note that the gunplay is solid, with weighty, responsive weapons. The core gunplay and hit feedback create tense firefights. Recoil and weapon handling feel good in practice. Even when other parts have issues, the shooting remains a strong point.
• Atmosphere and immersion (6 mentions) - The game uses a bleak, Eastern European setting that players describe as atmospheric. Sound design and environment contribute to a sense of isolation during missions. The world and pacing help keep immersion, especially during long runs. These elements are frequently cited as a major positive.
• Playing with friends and teams (5 mentions) - Many reviews indicate the game is more enjoyable with friends or a squad. Team play opens up tactical options and shared moments. Solo play is possible, but teamwork is repeatedly mentioned as a highlight. The social aspect is a common positive.
• Active development and patches (4 mentions) - Several reviewers note that the developers listen and push updates. Patches, balance tweaks, and quality of life changes are cited as proof of ongoing support. The willingness to adjust based on feedback is viewed positively. This dynamic is seen as key to the game's long-term potential.
• Mod support potential and content expansion (3 mentions) - Some players see potential for mod support and community content. Ideas include new maps, weapons, and game modes. This potential is mentioned as a reason to keep playing and waiting for more content. It is not guaranteed, but cited as a positive direction.

Most Mentioned Disadvantages

• AI and bots issues (7 mentions) - AI behavior is frequently criticized. Bots can be accurate and overpowered, or fail to engage meaningfully. Some reviewers report bots shooting through walls and unpredictable reactions. The AI inconsistency reduces enjoyment for many players.
• Bugs and unfinished state (6 mentions) - Many reviews describe Deadside as buggy and not finished. Updates sometimes introduce new issues or don't fix existing ones. Users report crashes, glitches, and inconsistent performance. Overall, the game is often described as in an unfinished state by multiple reviewers.
• No self-hosting / private servers (5 mentions) - There is no official option to host your own dedicated server. Private servers require third-party hosting, often at a cost. Linux support and anti-cheat constraints are cited as problems by players. This limits control and accessibility for some players.
• Low player base / server population (4 mentions) - Many reviews mention a small or declining player base. Official servers can feel empty and toxicity can be high. Wipes and server instability contribute to a sense of abandonment. These factors make it harder to find consistent matches.
• Repair system and base-building changes (4 mentions) - Recent patches that changed repair systems and added grind were criticized. Removing repair benches from safe zones was a notable misstep for some players. The new repair requirements make upgrading and servicing gear feel grindy. These changes are cited as harming the core gameplay loop.

Compared Games

• Rust (12 mentions) - Compared to Rust for base building, raiding, and survival pacing; often seen as a Rust-like or clone.
• DayZ (9 mentions) - Often described as DayZ-like survival with emphasis on looting and PvP, but without zombies.
• Tarkov (3 mentions) - Compared to Tarkov for gunplay intensity and gear-focused combat, though not as hardcore.